News

New Official Ancient Monument

Thanks to Fiona Young who sent in this article from her local Aberdeenshire newspaper:

"Stone Circle Named As Ancient Monument"
by Audrey Innes

The remains of a group of North-east standing stones, which date back more than 5,000 years, look set to be named as an official ancient monument later this year.

The Neolithic stone circle, which can be found to the west of North Mains of Auchmaliddie, near Longside, is to be scheduled by Historic Scotland.

This will result in the recumbent circle receiving statutory protection and will be monitored by inspectors on a cyclical basis.

The majority of the stones have been stolen and only the recumbent stone and west flanker, which has now fallen, have survived.

The white quartz stones are understood to have been quarried within the area.

A spokesman for Historic Scotland said this type of stone circle was distinctive to the North-east and dates from the later Neolithic period, around 3,000BC.

He said: "The monument is in the process of being scheduled as an ancient monument and the work will be completed within the next three months."

He added that they had still to speak with the monument's owners.

Yesterday, South Buchan councillor Norma Thomson, who represents Auchmaliddie, said: "Buchan is rich in historic sites and monuments such as these, so any moves to protect our heritage in this way are to be welcomed."

Banff and Buchan MSP Alex Salmond said: "The site has not been inspected by the authorities for the last 10 years or so and concerns were expressed to me about the potential implications of this."

He added: "I contacted Historic Scotland and I am pleased that they arranged for an inspection to be carried out and consider the site worthy of inclusion as a scheduled monument."

There are about 100 of these recumbent stone circles within the North-east. They usually comprise of a ring of stones, around 65ft in diameter with the largest stone, the recumbent, lying on its side.